Charlottesville, VA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Charlottesville, VA

The Charlottesville crime rates are 70% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 244 violent crimes in Charlottesville (541 per 100,000 people), which is 46.3% higher than the national average and there were a total of 1538 property crimes (3411 per 100,000 residents) which is 74.5% higher than average.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Charlottesville?

AreaVibes surveyed 70 local residents in Charlottesville to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 40% of people answered that there was very little crime in Charlottesville and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 60% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Charlottesville a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Charlottesville a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Charlottesville crime rate is 70% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 4.88 crimes per day - 0.67 violent crimes and 4.21 property crimes.

Has Crime in Charlottesville Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Charlottesville crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Charlottesville has increased by 23.2% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 6.6% and property crime has increased by 26.3%.

Charlottesville Neighborhood Crime Rates

There are more than 28 different neighborhoods in the Charlottesville area. Depending on their location and other socioeconomic factors, the rate of crime in each neighborhood is vastly different. Areas that are located near the center or downtown core, tend to be more densely populated and typically see higher crime rates. While neighborhoods in the outskirts of the city tend to be less densely populated and have lower unemployment and poverty rates. Some of the safer neighborhoods in Charlottesville include North East, Martha Jefferson and Greenbrier. While Main-Starr Hill, Orangedale-Prospect Ave and Ridge St have a reported crime rate that is higher than average. This reinforces the need to do a quality check on multiple neighborhoods as their crime rates can be quite different.

Potential Causes for Crime in Charlottesville

Charlottesville reports an unemployment rate of 2.6%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Charlottesville crime rates.

In Charlottesville, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 3.21 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Charlottesville is $329,100, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Charlottesville crime map